wabi-sabi

there is a crack

imperfect

yet

most appealing

a vessel to carry
serve
holding my heart

i could never abandon

colors

weight

loveliness

or

memory of

she who came bearing this gift

surrounded

lovely comfort

wabi-sabi

"Wabibitos live modestly, satisfied with things as they are.  They own only what's necessary for its utility or beauty (ideally, both).  They revere humans over machines, surrounding themselves with things that resonate with the spirit of their makers.  Wabi-sabi is imperfect:  a beloved chipped vase or a scarred wooden table.

This getting away from perfect is one of wabi-sabi's most appealing facets.  It means you can keep the tablecloth even though it's fraying on the edges and admire the rug as it fades from brilliant red to pale rose.  You can let things be.  It's like going to Grandma's house.

Our Depression-era grandmothers knew wabi-sabi.  And their houses were so comfortable because they understood, inherently, the difference between wabi and slobby.  Their tablecloths and linens were faded, but they never had rips or tears.  Their furnishings had a settled-in quality, but they weren't dilapidated.  Their floors showed wear, but they were always swept, with rag rugs that wove together memories in their use of old garments."

~Robyn Griggs Lawrence

i read about this idea today (having no idea there was a term for this philosophy)...my life is filled with wabi-sabi...i love it so. this is why i find it difficult to toss items from my life. it's not that i'm hanging on to junk; chipped and scarred speak life and living. those visual reminders make me feel comfortable, and often tell a story.

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